Description
Cheesy Bacon Beef Pasta
Ingredients:
300g rotini or fusilli pasta (cooked)
1 lb ground beef
4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1 small onion (diced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and milk to the skillet, stirring well. Gradually add cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Mix in the cooked pasta and toss until well coated with the sauce.
4. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
#CheesyPasta#BaconBeefDelight
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Your Ingredients: Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and cook the bacon in a separate pan until crispy. Crumble the bacon and set it aside.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no pink remains. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Create the Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine and warm the mixture. Do not let it boil. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted and incorporated before adding the next. This prevents the sauce from becoming grainy.
4. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly and thoroughly coated in the rich cheese sauce. For the final touch, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and hearty pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a vegetable side, try steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. Serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation, and offer extra grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes on the side for those who want an extra kick.
How-to Summary
Cook pasta and bacon separately. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Lower heat, add cream and milk, then slowly melt in cheddar cheese to create a smooth sauce. Toss sauce with cooked pasta, top with crumbled bacon and parsley, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. While rotini and fusilli hold the sauce well, penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni are excellent substitutes.
How can I make this dish less heavy? You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be thinner. You can also use a leaner ground beef or ground turkey.
My cheese sauce turned out grainy. What happened? This usually occurs if the heat is too high when adding the cheese, causing the fats to separate. Always add cheese off the heat or on very low heat, and add it gradually.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can prep components ahead, but the dish is best served fresh. The sauce can thicken as it sits. If reheating, add a splash of milk and warm it gently on the stovetop.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little added milk to loosen the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook pasta to al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Adding Cheese on High Heat: High heat will cause the cheese to seize and become oily or grainy. Always melt cheese over low heat.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. For the creamiest sauce, shred your own cheese from a block.
- Not Seasoning the Beef: Season the ground beef layer well with salt and pepper during cooking to build flavor throughout the dish.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Bacon Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce. It’s a straightforward, one-pan recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for a busy weeknight or a comforting weekend dinner. By following the step-by-step guide and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a perfectly creamy, crowd-pleasing meal every time. Dig in and enjoy this deliciously satisfying dish!